[Clinical aspects of coping with tinnitus]

Abstract

Forty-two patients suffering form chronic tinnitus participated in our psychologically oriented treatment last year. The following study presents the results of the psychological management of chronic tinnitus combining counselling with relaxation training. Furthermore individual therapy is compared with group therapy. The therapeutical efficiency can be tested using visual analog scales. The individual estimated loudness and annoyance of tinnitus are registered. A quantitative assessment of complaints is made via questionnaires (adapted to Back Depression Inventory). In most cases a reduction of tinnitus loudness and annoyance after individual and group therapy is seen directly. But a constant therapeutical effect is only found is individual therapy. In group therapy, many of our patients reported an increase in the pretherapeutical estimation of tinnitus loudness and annoyance. We believe that permanent confrontation with the tinnitus problem may advance the psychological conflict in many cases. Therefore, psychological management of tinnitus should be concentrated on temporary limited support aimed at overcoming tinnitus sensation.